Werder Bremen 0 Bayern 0

Champions frustrated by ten-man Werder

Created on 01-03-2009 at 00:00 AM

Bayern were left to rue what might have been after failing to exploit 75 minutes with a man more than a spirited Werder Bremen side on Sunday.

The 42,100 full house at the Weser stadium saw a breathless opening with chances at both ends, but the character of the game changed decisively after just quarter of an hour when Bremen defender Naldo received his marching orders for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Bayern seized control of the game but failed to convert any of a string of chances before and after half-time, stand-in Werder keeper Christian Vander playing a blinder behind a grimly determined home defence as the sides played out their first goalless stalemate in 15 seasons.

The frustrating draw sees the champions drop a place to fifth in the Bundesliga on 39 points from 22 games, but results elsewhere mean Munich remain just four points off top spot, reclaimed at the weekend by Hertha Berlin.